Unmanned aerial vehicle not helicopter crash-landed in Kaduna—NAF

Contrary to earlier reports that a military helicopter crashed on Monday in Kaduna, the Nigerian Air Force said it was an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that crashed-landed in Kaduna.

Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said in a statement that the UAV “experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission, at a location near Rumji Village and about 15 Km from Base”.

Gabkwet added that there were no casualties since the UAV was unmanned.

“Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground. Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap,” the statement reads.

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“Nigerians can be rest assured that this minor setback will not, in any way, impinge on all ongoing operations.”

In March, a NAF Super Mushshak trainer aircraft crash-landed in Kaduna.

Over the years, NAF aircraft have crashed during missions in Niger, Benue, Rivers and Kaduna states.

In December, a NAF helicopter crash-landed during an operation against “economic saboteurs” in Rivers state.